Eligibility & Caps
Open to bonafide students aged up to 25. Each performer may enter up to four events; podium finishers progress to North Zone selections.
Rhythm 2025 · EventsRule Book Digest
The definitive guide to every showdown at Rhythm’25.
Curated straight from the official rule book, explore the complete lineup - from ragas and rap battles to nukkad nataks, live installations, and spot art sprints. Drill into participation limits, timing windows, and the must-know judging cues for a winning set.
Events Curated
43
Music, dance, theatre, literary and fine-arts brackets across 2 packed days
Grace Windows
15s / 30s
Starred classical items enjoy 15 s grace; other sets allow 30 s spillover
Entry Policy
1/team
Affiliated colleges send 1 entry per event · UTDs may field multiple crews
Read these before you lock your slot.
A distilled brief from the rule book covering eligibility, reporting cadence, stage etiquette, and the live-versus-recorded distinctions that judges emphasise across categories.
Reporting Discipline
Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before stage call (two hours for nukkad teams). Adhere to code identifiers and the official timekeeper’s watch.
Content Standards
Keep performances respectful—vulgar lyrics, gestures, or revealing identities on stage can trigger instant disqualification by the jury.
Live Performance Norms
Classical music and dance demand live accompaniments. Recorded tracks are allowed only where explicitly stated (select folk/western and theatre acts).
Official reference
Rhythm’25 Rule Book
Browse the sanctioned guidelines straight from the organising committee. This living document covers adjudication criteria, stage logistics, scoring keys, and code-of-conduct directives for every participating contingent.
Music & Sonic Battles
Solos, duets, ensembles, and amplified showdowns spanning classical ragas to rap throwdowns.
Solo · Hindustani / Carnatic
Classical Vocal Solo
- Cinema compositions are not permitted; choose a thoughtful bandish/raga.
- Judged on swara perfection, taal control, composition quality, and overall impression.
- Electronic or recorded backing tracks are not allowed.
Solo · Tabla / Mridangam / Pakhawaj etc.
Classical Instrumental Solo (Percussion)
- Bring your own instruments; harmonium is allowed for support.
- Assessment focuses on taal, raga alignment, composition, and stage impression.
- Only live accompaniment is permitted.
Solo · Sitar / Sarod / Violin etc.
Classical Instrumental Solo (Non-Percussion)
- Participants must arrange their own instruments; harmonium support is allowed.
- Judging highlights taal awareness, composition depth, and stagecraft.
- No recorded accompaniments.
Solo
Light Music Vocal (Ghazal)
- Non-filmy repertoire only.
- Evaluated on voice texture, swara accuracy, taal, and composition choice.
- Themes must stay refined—avoid cheap or vulgar content.
Solo
Light Music Vocal (Geet / Bhajan)
- Select devotional or light classical works beyond mainstream cinema.
- Scoring considers vocal quality, taal, lyrical depth, and presentation.
- Recorded music is not allowed.
Solo
Western Vocal Solo
- Perform in English with live accompaniment only.
- Judges listen for vocal control, rhythm, coordination, and stage persona.
- Stay away from explicit or vulgar lyrical choices.
Solo
Light Music Vocal (Folk)
- Celebrate regional folk without borrowing from films.
- Marked on voice timbre, taal adherence, and authenticity of rendition.
- Recorded backing tracks are not permitted.
Solo · Percussion or Non-Percussion
Western Instrumental Solo
- Keep the repertoire in English / western canon with live support only.
- Evaluation centers on technique, composition, rhythm, and coordination.
- Avoid vulgar staging or gimmicks—spotlight the music.
Group
Qawwali
- Only traditional and original compositions—film tracks are barred.
- Costumes and lyrics must remain respectful and non-objectionable.
- Judgement focuses on ensemble cohesion and vocal expression.
Group
Group Song (General)
- Cinema songs and commercially released backing are disallowed.
- Scored chiefly on vocal harmony rather than choreography or costumes.
- Live accompaniment only; aim for crisp on-stage transitions.
Group
Group Song (Western)
- Perform in English with polished harmonies and live instrumentation.
- Judges weigh composition, rhythm, vocal blend, and audience connection.
- No recorded or film-based tracks are allowed.
Group
Group Song (Folk)
- Spotlight authentic folk tunes without cinema references.
- Priority is pure singing quality; avoid over-reliance on props or costume theatrics.
- Only live accompaniment is acceptable.
Ensemble
Folk Orchestra
- Restrict instrumentation to Punjabi / Haryanvi folk instruments (sarangi, algoza, bansali, dholak, etc.).
- Accompanists must dress distinctly and cannot lead sections.
- Avoid locomotion across stage; focus on authentic folk soundscapes.
Duet
Duet Music (Classical / Light)
- Synchronisation, composition choice, and stage chemistry drive scoring.
- Ensure a cohesive setlist with balanced vocal/instrumental dialogue.
- Recorded accompaniments are disallowed.
Solo
Rap Battle
- No background beats—deliver raw bars and flow (rap >90%, vocals <10%).
- Stay clear of vulgarity; keep language sharp yet respectful.
- Judged on lyrical originality, punchlines, cadence, and crowd control.
Band showdown
Battle of Bands
- Bring your own gear except the standard drum kit provided on site.
- At least two instruments must stay active throughout the set.
- Judging covers improvisation, technical prowess, setlist, and synchronisation; damages invite disqualification and fines.
Dance Universe
From precision footwork to explosive crew choreography across classical, folk, and western vocabularies.
Solo · Bharatanatyam / Kathak / Odissi / Manipuri / Kuchipudi / Kathakali
Classical Dance Solo
- Recorded tracks are barred—line up a live orchestra.
- Judges examine taal, technique, abhinaya, footwork, costume, and overall narrative.
- Report 30 min prior for stage briefing.
Solo
Dance General Solo (Folk)
- Celebrate folk idioms; recorded music is allowed.
- Scored on formation, energy, costume story, and coordination with music.
- Maintain cultural authenticity without vulgar gestures.
Solo
Dance General Solo (Western)
- Bring polished western choreography; recorded tracks permitted.
- Judges value transitions, groove, costume styling, and thematic storytelling.
- Respect the stage—no damaging props.
Duet
Duet Dance (Folk / Western)
- Recorded music is allowed across genres.
- Choreography should emphasise partner chemistry, lifts, and clean formations.
- Costumes, make-up, and storytelling influence the score.
Crew
Group Dance (Western / General)
- No shufflers or puppet/ballet concepts; focus on crisp crew work.
- Judged on formations, rhythm switches, expression, costumes, and overall effect.
- Teams must clear their props immediately post-set.
Crew
Group Dance (Folk)
- Perform Haryanvi, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, or comparable folk repertoires.
- Judging prioritises choreography, costumes, and cultural storytelling.
- Report 30 min early; performance window starts with the first beat.
Theatre & Stagecraft
Scripts, satire, and immersive street performances capturing campus narratives.
Ensemble
One Act Play
- Provide your own set, makeup, and properties; request generic furniture in advance.
- Languages: Hindi, English, or regional (submit English/Hindi synopsis if regional).
- Evaluated on theme, acting, stagecraft, design, and overall impression.
Ensemble
Skit
- Scripts must stay within Hindi/Haryanvi dialects and focus on social narratives.
- Humour-driven with no tragic arcs; vulgarity or cultural distortion leads to penalties.
- Directors should pre-screen dialogues to ensure compliance.
Ensemble
Mime
- Bring required props; background scores (if any) must be arranged live or on-track.
- Scoring emphasises concept originality, make-up, costume aesthetics, and cohesion.
- Maintain synchronised blocking—no spoken dialogues.
Solo
Mimicry
- Imitate iconic personalities, instruments, or machines with clarity and range.
- Judges score on vocal variety, believability, and stage presence.
- Avoid defamatory or tasteless impersonations.
Solo
Mono Act
- Use original or adapted scripts (Hindi/English); bring essential hand props only.
- Stage damage is strictly prohibited.
- Judged on narrative craft, vocal range, and emotive versatility.
Ensemble
Spoof
- Deliver satirical takes with a clear moral message; recorded or fusion music allowed.
- Any vulgar lyrics, gestures, or costumes cause disqualification.
- Evaluation weighs theme strength, acting finesse, and presentation flow.
Ensemble
Bollywood in Haryana
- Recreate cinematic scenes in Haryanvi dialect; fusion of multiple scenes permitted.
- Recorded music is allowed but keep staging tasteful and sharp.
- Judges look at adaptation creativity, acting, and stage design.
Street theatre
Nukkad Natak
- Daytime open-ground staging without mics; carry up to four self-picked instruments.
- Props limited to chunni, lathi, and handmade paper items.
- Satire must remain decent; teams report two hours prior to showtime.
Literary Arena
Wordcraft, wit, and intellectual sparring for campus storytellers and quizzers.
Solo · Hindi / English
Poetic Recitation
- Bring original or curated poems that stay dignified—no vulgar imagery.
- Focus on diction, modulation, and emotive delivery.
- Carry a printed copy in case judges request verification.
Team
Quiz
- Top teams from prelims move to the multimedia final.
- Final round instructions on answer windows and evaluation shared on the spot.
- Expect diverse categories spanning culture, current affairs, and campus history.
Solo
Elocution
- Topics dispatched by the cultural coordinator in advance.
- Paper reading is not permitted—deliver memorised or well-rehearsed speeches.
- For national progression, note that AIU formats extend to 7 – 10 min.
Team
Debate (Hindi / English)
- Topic released 24 hours prior; lot draw decides speaking order.
- Inform the stage secretary of stance allocations before the session.
- Best speaker trophies presented to top performer on each side.
Fine Arts & Experience Lab
Studios, installations, and on-spot creativity marathons for visual storytellers.
Solo
On the Spot Painting
- Canvas size: 22" × 15" half-imperial sheet (signed before start).
- Themes announced live—landscape, portrait, or composition.
- Bring personal materials (brushes, paints); any medium like oil, water, poster allowed.
Solo
Collage
- Theme revealed 24 hours before; sheet size 15" × 22".
- Participants must arrange sheets, adhesives, and cuttings themselves.
- Judged on concept layering, material harmony, and finish.
Solo
Poster Making (Commercial Art)
- Blank sheet 22" × 15" signed pre-competition; subject shared on spot.
- Bring all tools; organisers supply no materials beyond sheet.
- Focus on communication clarity, colour balance, and typography craft.
Solo
Clay Modelling
- Theme centres on portrait or object forms announced on the spot.
- Carry your own clay, sculpting tools, and workboard.
- Displayed works should be self-supporting and neatly finished.
Solo
Cartooning
- Create original sketches only—no magazine or newspaper lifts.
- Drawing paper (22" × 15") signed beforehand; use sketches/liners (no colour mandate).
- Judges assess originality, satire, and execution finesse.
Solo
Rangoli
- Work within the allocated square (max 3' × 3').
- Participants bring organic colour powders and tools.
- A clean finish and traditional motifs score higher.
Team
Installation / Best out of Waste
- Design within the space provided to portray unity in diversity.
- Carry all tools and recyclable materials; nothing supplied on site.
- Judged on concept originality, sustainability, and spatial arrangement.
Solo
Spot Photography
- Bring a digital camera ≤ 12 MP with memory card formatted by judges pre-event.
- Capture five frames aligned with the surprise theme; no post-production allowed.
- Evaluation covers impact, composition, technical quality, and theme fit.
Duo
Sanjhi
- Use only organic materials sourced by the team.
- Judged on impact, composition, craftsmanship, and thematic resonance.
- Expect additional instructions from judges on the spot.